Math Problem Statement

Find the limit: lim (h -> 0) [sqrt(20h + 4) - 2] / h. Rationalize the numerator of the expression.

Solution

The problem in the image asks to find the limit:

limh020h+42h\lim_{{h \to 0}} \frac{\sqrt{20h + 4} - 2}{h}

To solve this, we need to rationalize the numerator, which involves multiplying both the numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the numerator.

Step 1: Multiply by the conjugate

The conjugate of 20h+42\sqrt{20h + 4} - 2 is 20h+4+2\sqrt{20h + 4} + 2. So, multiply both numerator and denominator by this conjugate:

20h+42h20h+4+220h+4+2=(20h+42)(20h+4+2)h(20h+4+2)\frac{\sqrt{20h + 4} - 2}{h} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{20h + 4} + 2}{\sqrt{20h + 4} + 2} = \frac{(\sqrt{20h + 4} - 2)(\sqrt{20h + 4} + 2)}{h(\sqrt{20h + 4} + 2)}

Step 2: Simplify the numerator

The numerator simplifies using the difference of squares formula:

(20h+42)(20h+4+2)=(20h+4)222=(20h+4)4=20h(\sqrt{20h + 4} - 2)(\sqrt{20h + 4} + 2) = (\sqrt{20h + 4})^2 - 2^2 = (20h + 4) - 4 = 20h

Now the expression becomes:

20hh(20h+4+2)\frac{20h}{h(\sqrt{20h + 4} + 2)}

Step 3: Cancel hh

Since hh is in both the numerator and denominator, we can cancel hh (assuming h0h \neq 0):

2020h+4+2\frac{20}{\sqrt{20h + 4} + 2}

Step 4: Take the limit as h0h \to 0

Now, substitute h=0h = 0 into the expression:

limh02020(0)+4+2=204+2=202+2=204=5\lim_{{h \to 0}} \frac{20}{\sqrt{20(0) + 4} + 2} = \frac{20}{\sqrt{4} + 2} = \frac{20}{2 + 2} = \frac{20}{4} = 5

Thus, the value of the limit is:

5\boxed{5}

Would you like further details on this solution or additional clarification? Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How is the difference of squares formula used in rationalizing the numerator?
  2. Why do we multiply by the conjugate when simplifying limits involving square roots?
  3. What other techniques can be used for solving limits that involve radicals?
  4. How do we handle limits when the expression becomes undefined at h=0h = 0?
  5. Can we apply L'Hopital's Rule to this limit problem instead of rationalizing the numerator?

Tip: When simplifying limits involving radicals, always consider rationalizing the numerator or denominator to eliminate the square root.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Rationalization
Difference of Squares

Formulas

Difference of squares: (a - b)(a + b) = a^2 - b^2
Limit evaluation

Theorems

Limit laws
Difference of squares

Suitable Grade Level

College Calculus